Hope says thank you George and Effie

One after another of many heartfelt toasts filled with memories and sentiment were expressed at the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope scholarship fundraiser Roast and Toast Birthday celebration in honor of George and Effie Frazier on Frazier’s 91st birthday Thursday.

If one had to choose a theme for the night’s activities, aside from laughter and fun, the idea of a great example being set by George and Effie Frazier was repeated throughout the night by the comments from loved ones and friends.

UACCH Chancellor Chris Thomason tried to give the crowd a lesson on “roasting” with the idea that in an earlier event held for retired State Senator Jim Hill participants were, perhaps, too polite.
“It is not a tribute. Please throw a little roast in there. You have a license to laugh and have fun with this,” Thomason said.

UACCH Board of Visitors Chairman Jerry Pruden began the toasting with a thank you from the Kiwanis Club table for Frazier’s love for children.
BancorpSouth-Hope President Kathy Struckman spoke for BancorpSouth, thanking George for 27 years on the board of directors and making their bank successful.

Others honoring the Fraziers included Medical Park Hospital, with Dr. Charles Vermont speaking on behalf of the hospital.
“God blessed the day after W.W.II that George would step into a bank in Hope and saw Effie,” Vermont said.

He recalled from a board meeting that Frazier’s favorite scripture was Psalms 18: 24, “This is the day the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad  in it.”

State Representative David “Bubba” Powers took part in a little roasting as he talked about what a beautiful name Effie was. He said he did some looking into it and translates to “I like being short.”
Frazier commented, leading to a rebuttal from Powers, “George I saw you standing in that chair a while ago.”

Special video presentations were watched on a big screen by all guests. Those included a toast from Thomas F. “Mack” McLarty, III, Congressman Mike Ross and former President William Jefferson Clinton.
“All of us have personal stories about Effie and George Frazier.  It is easy for each of us to look back and see the example they set for us,” McLarty said.

Ross spoke about the influence of the Frazier’s life in the community.
“They understand the importance of not just sitting on the sidelines, but getting involved and making a difference,” he said.
Ross said they share an “abiding love for people, their country and Creator.”

Clinton’s video presentation talked of Frazier’s involvement in helping Clinton start his political career and making his time in Hope meaningful.
“Each trip to Hope was special. I enjoyed each visit,” Clinton said.
Retired banker John Robert Graves said his ties go very deep with George and Effie Frazier.  Amid joking about Frazier’s age, he had much praise for the couple.

“The marriage vows are for better or worse; well, I have to say, George, you couldn’t do any better and Effie you couldn’t do any worse,” Graves said.
Another highlight for the couple at the event included the Frazier’s three children each standing for a time to tell memorable and funny stories about times growing up. They also made a few humorous confessions.

Each began with a switch in their hand, asking for a raise of hands for how many in the room had to go get their own switch as a child, obviously a practice in the Frazier discipline system.  A room full of hands went up, so they were not alone.

Their first time to be stopped by a police officer; getting caught with mom’s cigarettes; and all kinds of trouble during mom’s Bridge playing parties were just a few stories.
At the end of the night’s comments, Frazier and his wife stood to express appreciation to all who came out and to all who helped put on the event.
Frazier said the three highlights of his life were, coming to Hope to live, meeting his wife Effie, and his three wonderful children.

At the end of the night, the crowd was left wondering as asked by Powers, “Just what type of pajama’s do the Frazier’s wear, is it the expensive silk pajamas or is the soft flannel ones?”
Maybe a mystery never to be solved. Hope said, “Happy 91st, George.”